As to the work, Dear Brother, our path is through conflict. If brethren do not walk consistently, and apart from the world, they will and ought to be chastened more that others; and the worst thing for those whose hearts are in the Lord's work, is to see the saints going on badly. I am thankful, in the main, for the news from Italy. I am not surprised at the gathering at-going to pieces, for the foundation was a poor one.... I see many bad elements at work: may the Lord keep us feeling that the Head can never fail.
June, 1876.